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RANCH HISTORY 
The Elk River Guest Ranch was first homesteaded in 1902 and used as a summer base camp for miners. Gold, rubies and diamonds are still found in the local rivers and hills. The main house was a mining lodge in the early days when looking for gold, silver and precious jewels was the main lure of the Rocky Mountain. After determining that cattle and sheep ranching were more profitable than mining, the original homesteaders turned their sites to using the ranch as a family retreat.
In the early 1950's, when leisure travel became more common, the ranch was established as the Elk River Guest Ranch. The Elk River Guest Ranch is one of the oldest operating guest ranches in the United States. Since that time guests from all over the world have been enjoying this year-round mountain paradise. Your hosts, Bill and Kathy Hinder, have owned and operated the Elk River Guest Ranch since March 1995. They and their entire staff look forward to each guests visit and are committed to making everyone's time spent at the Ranch a wonderfully memorable experience.
The Ranch's elevation is 7600 feet rising quickly to 8600 feet along the ridge overlooking the Ranch, the Continental Divide and Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Average snowfall is 350 inches per year.The Ranch boasts three meadows to graze the horses: the big meadow located behind the cabins which includes the Tepees; the Triangle located on the back hill above the big meadow and shares the year round spring; the Back 40, the largest piece of property includes a portion of the one and two hour rides but has no on-site water. |
Dutch - Our full bred German Shepard keeps his ears down to ensure our guests are not intimidated by his size or breed. Since a puppy Dutch has always wanted a job, but didn't find his true calling until we bought the green truck. Since then he knew he was a Ranch dog and destined to keep all the other ranch critters in their place. He is instrumental in herding the horses in from the big meadow and rounding up the sheep to ensure they only eat the grass and not the flowers when out of their pen. In the evening he's always there to give a helping hand with feeding horses and putting up the other animals. He won't rest until everyone is in their right place for nightfall. Dutch keeps the foxes away from the chickens and the crows from the grain bins. He loves a good pet on the back of the neck.
Ruckus - Our fullbred Black Lab is very happy go lucky. He enjoys retrieving and snacks. If he's not out on the trails he's sure to be found at the back door of the kitchen or under the dining table just in case you didn't want that last bite of our famous steaks. Ruckus loves a belly scratch.
The Geese - Our African goose has been featured in the local paper more than once. He's a proud dad that takes care of his brood of three goslings all grown up now too. He's taught them how to scavenge and keep the guests at bay with a great flapping of wings and loud squawking. They're fun to watch and to feed but do keep your distance!